Nuns at the Fair

[snuggle05]

Om and I had an "experience with Jesus at the fair yesterday." Walking past a tent at some point, I took a "free smile" some woman was offering me, thinking it was a happy face sticker. I was entirely disappointed, because it turned out to be some mini-book about how God cares, and knows all about you and why you should be a good Christian and

Comments

Understand

[snuggle05]

Eric, I posted my thoughts not only because the experience was so out-of-this-world, but because I did want to share my thoughts with others (SPECIFICALLY YOU), to see what they would say. I fully expected a reply from you, because I knew you'd have some Ericesque insight that would spark in my mind a sort of deeper thinking for a day or two. Thanks!

Also, I agree with you on the point that religion is what blinds us from God, but not entirely. I think, if used/understood/practiced correctly and with discretion and tolerance, religion can help direct people and start people on the path to understanding God. Some people need some direction, or reminder, and religion helps them share their ideas with others, and learn what others think. How else can you expand your ideas, if you can't express your own and if you can't learn about others'?

And sometimes the ritual of religion helps the spiritual aspect of God mesh with traditions, stories, and ways of life. Religions are basically different cultures' expressions of the same idea. And to some, the ritual and stories is what draws them to spiritual thought in the first place.

Re: Understand

[mistamista]

Oh, Shattuck Incarnate!
It's true. I mean, you know I'm all about Jesus. He's really, really awesome. But I ain't down with a lot of Christians.

Re: Understand

[snuggle05]

Why thank you, darling!! The term "Shattuck Incarnate" is rather a flattering compliment! And now that you mention it, she did sort of go on about that kind of thing, didn't she? Maybe that's why she's my favourite teacher of all time!

I, too am wary of the whole Christian thing, but I've come to sort of understand that, although Christianity is steeped in this corrupt, arrogant, murderous past, we don't have to denounce it entirely. I mean, so many other religions do that, too. It's so easy to bash one's own culture and religion when one sees it's corrupt, and to glorify other countries/cultures. Like, I'm so used to bemoaning American government and how our ideals have disintigrated, and I keep forgetting that the Canadians or French have problems of their own.

I do, however, agree with you entirely! And I, too am totally down with Jesus, aka "Buddha," not Siddhartha. (Shattuck again)